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28th California Futures Tasting
Mandarin Oriental DC
Tasted April 27, 2013 by cab blends with 633 views
Introduction
This was a bad day for me for tasting - the pollen count was creating havoc with my sinuses so my tasting notes are light and possibly off base.
Flight 1 (1 note)
Red
2010 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red
91 points
This did not seem to be as robust and full as normal. (Maybe just a bad day for me) Appeared lighter and softer - light berry aromatics with moderate tannins 6/10. Not my favorite of the night which is unusual given this is my everyday favorite.
Flight 2 (2 notes)
Red
2007 Axios Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
Surprisingly softer than the 2010. Almost a soft plush and not what I expected.
Red
2010 Axios Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
A light cassis on the nose with a powerful body (8/10) and tannins to support it. This is a wine I could drink immediately with cheese and crackers for hours.
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Comment
Flight 3 (3 notes)
Red
2011 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Passionnément
91 points
Heavy tannins (7/10 on my scale) with light fruit
Red
2011 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier
90 points
Lighter than the Passionnement
Red
2011 Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Cœur de Vallée
95 points
This was the best of the three Morlet by far for me. Tannins 9/10 on my scale and the Cabernet Franc influence is clear.
Flight 4 (2 notes)
Red
2010 Miner Family The Oracle
88 points
On the lighter side and not as integrated as I expected from the last tasting.
Flight 5 (2 notes)
Red
2011 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District
89 points
Light and drinkable (6/10) with a significant strawberry nose and flavor. Very fruit berry forward. Also not worth the price point for me.
Red
2011 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill
90 points
Tannins 8/10 with a strawberry nose - not worth the price point in my opinion.
Flight 6 (1 note)
Red
2010 Crocker & Starr Cabernet Sauvignon Stone Place
90 points
Tannins 7/10 with light fruit and very drinkable now - great discussion with Pam Starr.
Flight 7 (2 notes)
Red
2010 Bevan Cellars Oscar Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
93 points
The Cab Franc brings this to life. Tannins 8/10. Still very pricey but enjoyable.
Red
2010 Bevan Cellars EE Cuvée
91 points
Cab and merlot. I definitely prefer the Bevan merlot and cab franc. Not value for money for me. This is lighter too.
Flight 8 (3 notes)
Red
2010 Regusci Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
88 points
Pleasant and not stunning - just an average cabernet with a fruity finish.
Red
2011 Regusci Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
very similar to the 2010 8/10 - slightly heavy body probably due to the age. Lighter fruit.
Flight 9 (3 notes)
Red
2010 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall Napa Valley
90 points
Tannins 7/10 - has heat in the finish
Flight 10 (2 notes)
Red
2010 Maze Cabernet Sauvignon Clew
90 points
Tannins 7/10 less fruity than the pure cab with gives it more balance - Great discussion with Jerry.